Why Hire an Event or Wedding Planner - Updated

One of the questions that we hear frequently from potential clients is, "why is it important to hire an event planner?".  So, I thought it would be a good idea to address this topic on this week's blog.

  

Here are my top reasons and the list keeps growing and growing.

1. Do You Want to Work on Your  Wedding Day or at Your Party?

Clients and their close friends and family should be able to relax at their event and not have to be concerned about vendors, logistics and trying to resolve last minute issues or an emergency during the event (such as one of the groomsmen's cars getting hit in the parking lot).  This really happened - I can't make this stuff up.  Once you hire the right event planner, he or she can adapt to your ways and make your event or party reflect your wishes from start to finish.

2. Vendor Agreements -

Event planners are not lawyers and should never claim to be one. However, many of us have years of experience knowing what to look for in vendor's agreements.  Our goal is to confirm important information that can save our client's from headaches and costly mistakes before they sign on the dotted line. One of my clients confided to me that her daughter had signed a photography agreement that cost them thousands of dollars on the back end.   It is an unfortunate situation that could have been avoided if an experienced event planner could have reviewed the contract prior to the client signing. Good event planners pay for themselves in the long run!

3. Connections to Talented and Reputable Vendors -

We work hard to develop great relationships with top professionals in our industry from decor, floral, music, paper, make up and hair stylists, couture, lighting, entertainment, fabric and rentals, etc. These strong relationships help us to give our clients successful events along with fair prices.  Our vendors know that we are a repeat client, so they work hard to make sure that our clients are happy.  Personally, I won't recommend a vendor that is difficult, disrespectful, dishonest or performs substandard work - it is never worth the hassle!

4.  Keeping You Stress Free -

It is important for an event planner to listen to their client's vision and concerns, so we can ensure that their event runs smoothly.  Many clients are trying to plan a wedding for the first time and they might make a decision that could cause their ceremony to start late and throw everything into overtime (i.e., the wait staff) or worse case, they might have to end the band early due to time constraints at the venue.  When we are hired, we start reviewing the details so every precaution is taken.

5. The Wrap Up-
Periodically, rental items can get misplaced or one of the vendors might make a mistake during the setup or strike that can affect your security deposit.  Our office fields the calls after the wedding or special event and we work hard to resolve any issues quickly and fairly. I believe it makes sense for the planner to field these calls, since we were there and we are usually privy to what was happening on that day.  There is nothing worse then returning after a two week honeymoon and find out that you have to deal with these issues.

6. Sticking with an Idea-
Many of our clients come to us with several ideas, but they are unsure how to make them work with their overall theme or budget.  We help them to organize their thoughts and pull the resources together to create their dream come true event while respecting their budget and keeping them sane.

7. Combining Different Cultures and or Religions -
I love these types of weddings - seeing families with different cultures come together to celebrate the couple's nuptials.  I am not sure how many of these weddings we have done, but in eight years of having our company, I think I have worked on a couple of dozen. I think what I enjoy the most is the process of respecting the different religions and or cultures and bringing it all together to make it work.  I know sometimes it can be challenging, but it can be done successfully. We have a future blog dedicated to this subject, since it we see it happening more frequently. 

If we may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call our office.

8. Trying to plan a wedding or special event with a busy schedule?
Many of our clients work over 50 hours per week and have hectic schedules.  Once we are hired, we sit down with them and create a planning guide that helps them to keep everything in perspective.  Our office makes calls and collects information that our clients don't have time to handle. Some of our clients might need assistance with planning a wedding that is being planned in less than a four months.  We can help them find the venue, secure the agreement, and jump in right away with reputable vendors, invites and creating the timeline that makes it appear that the wedding was planned a year or more in advance. 

Tips from The Pros - Part VIII - Paper House - Couture and ready made invitations

Some of our clients are going green to help save the environment and when they do, we have great resources for them.  However, for our clients that love paper, from the texture to how it sets the tone for an event, we have great resources. 


Recently, I interviewed Anahi Carrillo Felch of Nicobelle Paperie and asked her questions that we are asked frequently. 


GP: What should a bride do to prepare for a consultation with you or a paper house?



ACF: The creation of a wedding invitation begins with a consultation by phone, email or in person.


My goal during this consultation is to find out all about the couple and the event that they are planning. The more details they can provide, including photos of the dress, flowers, and wedding location and descriptions of likes and dislikes, the better. Even the story of how they met and what interests both share are great help in putting together the perfect invitation.


Then we’ll note which pieces they will need (invitation card, response card, reception card...) and any pieces they are interested in for the reception (menu, program, escort cards..).


GP: Do you work with couture only?


ACF: No, we also have some ready made invitations to choose from such as Monique Lhuillier.

 GP: What is couture?


ACF: In couture everything from the design and printing process, to the embellishments and materials are different. Each and every project is one of a kind and made to fit the couple’s personality and style.


GP: How much should someone budget for the following with couture:


ACF: Each project is very different. Based on the complexity of the design, as well as printing costs, letterpress designs begin at $2,000 for 100 invitation sets and $800 for 100 save-the-dates.


GP: If someone does not have the budget for couture, what are alternative routes that they can take and still be happy with the paper and style?


ACF: Any extra touch can make an invitation set feel special:


Paper bands – a custom designed or patterned paper band wrapped around your invitation will keep all your pieces together & add an extra design element {wedding logo, monogram, a pop of color…}


Envelope liners - lining in solid paper or custom printed patterned paper add a lovely surprise for the recipient.


Pocket Folders – can be sealed with a wax seal, decorate label, ribbon, or paper band.


GP: What part of the planning process should they plan to meet with you?


ACF: It is always better to have more time than not enough. Wedding invitation etiquette suggests save the dates be sent 6 months in advance & up to 12 months if it is a destination wedding. Wedding invitations should be sent out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding or 10 to 12 weeks in advance if it is a destination wedding.


It is recommended you start the save the date and/or wedding invitation process at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date you would like to receive them. Turnaround time is approximately 3 to 4 weeks from approval of your proof.

GP: What is the quickest time you are able to turn an invite around - ready made paper with Flat printing?



ACF:Usually, we need at least 2 weeks from approval to finalize a job.GP: What are the different types of printing?





ACF: We offer a variety of printing techniques. The most popular method is letterpress printing, which delivers a luxurious finish and impression on paper. Other methods we offer are offset (flat) printing and engraving.


GP: I am always hearing conflicting opinions on whose name should go first on the thank you?

 ACF: Traditionally, a man's name preceded a woman's on an envelope address, and his first and surname were not separated (Jane and John Kelly). Nowadays, the order of the names—whether his name or hers comes first—does not matter and either way is acceptable. The exception is when one member of the couple 'outranks' the other—the one with the higher rank is always listed first.



Nicobelle Paperie is a couture wedding invitation and social stationery studio that specializes in creating designs that are truly unique and that complement your special event.


We meticulously customize each design to be an inspired reflection of our client’s stories.


Our capabilities also apply to business needs and include personal calling cards, business cards, corporate event stationery and other custom design and print work.

Courture - Christina's Invites

monique lhuillier invitations

Couture Invitation

ABC Dinner - Meet the Venue Veterans

Anika Warden-Ingalls from Vibiana LA,

me, Michael Kossart from Shutters on the Beach,

our moderator Mary Lallande from Jay's Catering and Melissa Allen from Ebell LA.

Last month, I was on the panel for an ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Dinner at the newly remodeled Sportsman Lodge in Studio City.

Since the subject matter was one of my favorites (venues), I said yes. The evening was produced by Alexandra Rembac, Principal & Creative Director - Sterling Engagements, who is also the Director of Education, ABC-GLA 2010 (Association of Bridal Consultants, Greater Los Angeles)

I had never been to the Sportsman Lodge and I was excited to see this well known venue for the first time.  Vibiana's owners purchased it a few years ago and recently completed the renovation.  What is so unique about this venue, located in the heart of Studio City, is that it has the LA River running in its backyard. In the early years, guests could fish out of the river, then have the chef prepare their catch for dinner.  Many of the guests at that time were A list celebrities.  After the 1950's, the city determined that it was not safe to fish out of the river because of seismic activity and stopped allowing guest to fish.  


Our dinner was superb! Their Chef (a very nice person) has an impressive culinary background, which includes working for Wolfgang Puck and preparing dinners for the Oscar parties and Governor's Ball.

No one fell asleep - always a good sign when I am on a panel:)

Our wonderful moderator, Mary from Jay's Catering

Delicious cake from Fantasy Frosting

Alexandra Rembec, Sterling Engagements and Producer of this event :)

 

Gianna's Pick of the Week

I am really fortunate to meet some of the most talented people because of my line of work.  My client, Victoria Collier and I met for the first time a few weeks ago at a coffee shop in La Cresenta. 

Victoria was wearing a very cool butterfly bracelet on her wrist.

While we were talking about her upcoming wedding and getting to know one another, a lady sitting near us asked where she could purchase the bracelet.  Victoria explained that she made the bracelet. 

I was curious to find out more about her jewelry.   Victoria is a lovely person inside and out, plus she is very talented.  If you would like to purchase any of her creations, please contact her at vcollier9@gmail.com

GP - When did you get started?

VC - I have been designing accessories and reinventing clothing since I was 8 years old.

GP - Where do you get your inspiration?

VC- My mother was always wearing cameos and painting beautiful butterflies when I was a child. I love to take different textures and materials and create unique ways of putting them together. I use everything from beads, metals, fabrics, pearls, champagne tops, feathers, vintage and estate sale jewelry.  I like to use the rosary in some of my pieces. I really enjoy creating new treasures. 

GP-How did you start selling your work?

VC-People would come up to me and ask where I bought my pieces. I have had people buy jewelry off of my neck or arm. 

GP-What is the price range of your work?

VC-$45.00 to $95.00

Hair Piece or  Brooch

The butterfly bracelet.  I love mine:)